What is boulevard? Pronunciation and usage in English

boulevard means . Learn how to pronounce and use boulevard through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of boulevard

boulevardnoun

/ˈbʊləvɑːd//ˈbuːl(ə)vɑːd/
Definition & pronunciation of boulevard

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "boulevard" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ** /ˈbɔː.luːd/ (British English)** – This is how it's pronounced in the UK.

    • ˈbɔː – Sounds like "bow" – a short, open "o" sound, like in "boat" but a little softer. The "ɔː" is a broad "o" sound – it's wider and deeper than a typical English "o."
    • luː – Sounds like "loo" – a long "oo" sound, like in "moon" or "blue."
    • d – A simple "d" sound at the end.

  • ** /ˈbuː.lɔːrd/ (American English)** – This is the standard pronunciation in the United States.

    • ˈbuː – Sounds like "boo" – again, a short, open "u" sound, like in "but."
    • lɔː – This is the key difference! It’s the same sound as in the British pronunciation – a broad "o" sound – similar to "bow" but wider.
    • rd – A simple "rd" sound at the end.

Here's a simplified way to think about it:

Imagine your mouth slightly open, saying "bow" and then “loo” smoothly into the same syllable.

Resources to help you hear it:

Key Points to Remember:

  • The "ou" sound is crucial: It's not the typical "ou" as in "out." It’s broader.
  • Listen and mimic: The best way to learn is to listen to native speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word boulevard in English

Let's break down how to use the word "boulevard" in English. It's a word with a surprisingly nuanced meaning! Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Literal Meaning: A Wide Street

At its most basic, “boulevard” refers to a wide, often tree-lined street, typically in a city. Think of grand avenues.

  • Example: “We strolled along the Champs-Élysées, a famous boulevard in Paris.”
  • Example: "The architect designed a beautiful boulevard with a fountain in the center."

2. Figurative Meaning: A Vibrant, Cultural Street or Area

This is where the word gets more interesting. “Boulevard” often describes a street or area that’s characterized by:

  • Entertainment: Theaters, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a lively place with a lot going on.

  • Popular Culture: A focus on trends, fashion, and celebrity culture.

  • A Sense of Glamour or Excitement: There's often a feeling that this is a place to be seen, to experience something special.

  • Example: “Hollywood Boulevard is famous for its Walk of Fame and movie studios.” (It's more than just a street; it’s an experience.)

  • Example: “After dinner, we walked along the West Village boulevard, enjoying the street performers and browsing the boutiques.”

3. Historical Usage (French Origin)

The word comes from French, where "boulevard" originally referred to a raised road or embankment alongside a river. Over time, it evolved to mean a wide street, and then the figurative meaning of a lively, cultural area.

4. Usage Tips & Examples

  • Describing Locations: “We spent the afternoon exploring the Milanese boulevard.”
  • Highlighting Atmosphere: “The boulevard buzzed with energy as the sun set.”
  • Referring to a feeling: "The boulevard vibe was infectious—everyone was smiling and enjoying themselves."
  • Can be used with geographical terms: “The southern boulevard…” “The boulevard near the river…”

Here's a comparison of using "street" vs. "boulevard":

Feature Street Boulevard
Width Typically narrower Usually wider
Atmosphere Can be ordinary Often lively, vibrant
Cultural Focus Not necessarily Frequently has a strong cultural presence

Resources for More Examples:

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  • Give you more examples of sentence usage?
  • Explain how “boulevard” is used in a particular context (e.g., in literature or film)?

Synonyms for the word boulevard

Practice with vocabulary boulevard

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The city council approved the development of a new commercial district, necessitating the construction of a wide, tree-lined _______ connecting the old town with the new area.
  2. Our project manager emphasized the importance of clear communication and setting realistic _______ for the team's deliverables.
  3. During peak traffic hours, vehicles often crawl along the main _______ that bisects the downtown area, leading to significant delays.
  4. The famous Champs-Élysées in Paris is an iconic example of a grand _______, known for its elegant shops and vibrant atmosphere.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes a typically wide, often tree-lined public road, usually found in an urban setting, designed for both traffic and pedestrian appeal? a) Alley b) Lane c) Boulevard d) Pathway

  2. If you are looking for a major thoroughfare often associated with significant urban planning, grand architecture, and a sense of spaciousness, which of these would be most appropriate? a) A narrow backstreet b) A winding country road c) A residential cul-de-sac d) A grand boulevard

  3. When discussing urban infrastructure, which of these characteristics are commonly associated with a "boulevard"? (Select all that apply) a) Generally wide b) Often features trees or landscaped medians c) Primarily designed for high-speed, limited-access traffic d) Typically a main route in a city or town e) Always one-way

  4. Our research team discovered a hidden _______ that provided a shortcut between the two university buildings, avoiding the main road. a) thoroughfare b) alleyway c) highway d) expressway

  5. The architect proposed incorporating more green spaces, such as landscaped median strips and public seating areas, along the city's main _______ to enhance its aesthetic appeal and pedestrian experience. a) parking lot b) industrial zone c) avenue d) factory complex

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The city's main road, which is quite broad and features a central reservation with trees, is undergoing extensive renovations. Rewrite using "boulevard":
  2. Original: We need to find a suitable location for the annual parade, ideally a spacious street that can accommodate large crowds and decorated floats. Rewrite using "boulevard" or a related word form:
  3. Original: The newly constructed, wide public road connecting the financial district to the residential areas has significantly eased traffic congestion. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "public road" (do not use "boulevard"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. boulevard
  2. expectations
  3. boulevard
  4. boulevard

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Boulevard
  2. d) A grand boulevard
  3. a) Generally wide, b) Often features trees or landscaped medians, d) Typically a main route in a city or town
  4. b) alleyway
  5. c) avenue

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The city's main boulevard is undergoing extensive renovations.
  2. We need to find a suitable location for the annual parade, ideally a spacious boulevard that can accommodate large crowds and decorated floats.
  3. The newly constructed, wide avenue connecting the financial district to the residential areas has significantly eased traffic congestion.

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